The Hunting of Goats of Scape at Arsenal

As supporters it is our right to complain and criticize. That is part and parcel of being a supporter. Yet at a certain level, the need for scape goats in light of losses results in critique that goes way beyond even normal the boundaries of normalcy for the average upset supporter.

First, let’s just accept one given truth about Saturday’s result – we didn’t lose that match as the result of any one individual. We lost that match because of this simple fact: Tottenham executed their game plan effectively and we did not. For the first half we kept Tottenham narrow and forced awkward chances. We scored on the counter against the run of plan and for a while it looked like we could handle what they were throwing at us.

There were still signs that everything was still not right. When we beat City at the Etihad, we did well to take care of the ball when we won it back. We made a few passes, dribbled out of pressure and created chances on the counter. While we set up exactly the same way, we were not as incisive with the ball. Our passing and ball retention was poor which resulted in us giving the ball back to Tottenham closer to our end and it effectively penned us back more than we probably would’ve liked.

Still, even with those worrying signs, at the half, we looked like we had weathered it. But Tottenham came out of the second half and kept the pressure on and we kept making similar mistakes and this time the chances created resulted in two killer goals.

The fact is in a match like this it’s sometimes okay to admit they executed and we didn’t. Yes, it’s Spurs and we don’t like to admit that but sometimes you have to just acknowledge the truth of the matter.

Does it mean Spurs are a better team than Arsenal? Maybe for that 90 minute period, but you could probably play this match over and over and end with differing results. As much as losing to the local rival hurts, sometimes you have to accept it and move on. There are still plenty of games to play and as you hearken back to two years ago with a less talented squad we had then now, we still finished above them. That and given the overall quality of the league this season, where anyone in the top finishes – save for Chelsea – is an unknown at this point.

But let’s get down to what brought today’s piece really into my mind. Since Saturday I have spent large amounts of time debating two particular players roles in the derby. The first David Ospina and the second Mesut Özil. Both have been identified as scapegoats for the match and in my opinion nothing could be further from the truth.

Let’s just say, no player is ever beyond criticism. Players play poorly they should get criticized. The fact is the whole team played poorly and if we look at the match OBJECTIVELY you will find that Özil and Ospina may be low on the rung of reasons why we played poorly.

Hollywood Saves

The critique of David Ospina was centered around the notion that he made too many “Hollywood Saves.” Tongue-in-cheek I asked what was a Hollywood Save. I knew very well what they were but there was a point I was trying to make.

In my development as a coach, I have spent a lot of time working with keepers. I don’t know why but the United States Soccer Federation keeps making my primary licensing subject goalkeepers. As such, I have been fortunate to have been mentored by some outstanding keeper coaches and staff from USSF. Early on in my education I asked specifically this question:

“How do you coach your keepers on the decision to catch or punch/parry the ball?”

In every case I was instructed that is a keeper’s decision based on what they feel is best given the situation around them. Ideally, you want them to catch but for many different reasons a keeper may decide that the best thing to do is parry it away. It really comes down to split decision reactions. Sounds simple but the arguments people were making for Ospina that he was purposely making saves look harder than they should’ve been.

Now, before we progress here, I thought Ospina looked nervy. He didn’t look as relaxed as he had in all the match previous. Again, if we try and look through an objective lens here, it was his first North London Derby and his team were sitting perilously deep. If you’ve never played in environment like that before it will unnerve you. Add to it the fact his team didn’t look at solid in front of him and you can probably ascertain as to why Ospina looked shaky.

I don’t know whether Ospina is Arsenal’s answer in goal. At a minimum he provides a more mature and quiet confidence than Szczesny. Ospina may be nothing more than a really strong number 2 but he has done well and he deserves his run.

As for the “Hollywood saves” comments, they still strike me as ridiculous. The basic tenet I teach my keepers is simply – I don’t care how you keep the ball out of the back of the net, just keep it out. The only place I really worry is if a keeper spends time admiring their save, something Ospina does not do. As for the delayed reaction to a save – which supposedly leads to him making a “Hollywood save” – If you examined every save and identified the ones where it looked like a “Hollywood save” – you’ll likely find a delayed reaction due to an inability to see the initial contact on the ball.

Finally, the decision to parry versus catch. One thing came up in a conversation with one person who was adamant Ospina was making “Hollywood saves” is that keepers used to in the past catch the ball a lot more than they do now. Yes, that is true and it is down to these reasons:

1. Speed of the ball is coming in quicker to keepers who need to react a lot faster than they used to.
2. The force of the shot is a lot stronger now than even 5-10 years ago making catching even harder
3. Ball dynamics have changed meaning trajectory and other ball physics are altering the way a ball comes into the keeper – anyone remember the jublani?
4. Skill of the players kicking the ball combined with number 3 above means the ball movement is as unpredictable as ever

Again trying to look at this dispassionately and removed from the normal emotions of the moment, there is a reason why parrying the ball now makes more sense then catching it.

Ospina looked nervy but in the end, he wasn’t to blame for this result and any desire to make him a scapegoat is either another hammer to throw at Wenger or at the club in general.

Mesut Özil – same old lazy arguments

Mesut Özil has been back for slightly over a month and has featured in 3 full matches. In those 3 full matches he has scored 3 goals. He has played in 9 total matches has a passing accuracy of 87% and has already created 17 chances. He’s won 54% of his duels and has a shot accuracy of 57%. Additionally, he covers more ground per match than most people will give him credit for.

But because he is not filled with grim and grit (and vigor) he is labeled lazy or a luxury player. Mesut Özil is anything but.

While he will never be a defensive juggernaut he was committing to the team effort to track back and defend, something other players we’ve had even recently failed to do. And in a supposedly “bad” first season he still managed to be within the top assist leaders for the season last year.

There were high hopes that he’d have grown this season but a lengthy injury hampered that. However, I’ve yet to see anything from Özil that suggests he won’t have an impact on the season. He still possess one of the deadliest eyes for a pass and his new found “beef” will only aid him in being stronger on the ball then he may have been last season.

The desire to use Özil as a scapegoat is as I said before lazy. It ignores his natural game, his overall work ethic and his ability to produce magic that nobody else can. That assist versus Villa some may wish to ignore because “it was only Villa” but there aren’t many people that can do that AND MEAN IT. Özil sees that play develop. He knows what he wants to do and he executes it to perfection. That is the beauty of Özil.

It is interesting the divide he creates among fans. It is only when he goes missing is he truly appreciated. Ask Germany post-world cup and their less then convincing performances. Or ask Real Madrid fans how they felt after he was sold.

Sometimes we never appreciate what we had until it is gone from us. I certainly hope that is not the case with this young master of the game.

I’ve always maintained no one should be spared criticism – when warranted. If you want to launch a criticism for Saturday just acknowledge the fact that the commitment we showed to plan B versus City didn’t materialize versus Tottenham. That is a criticism that is and should be leveled equally among all of the team.